Top 13 Famous Waterfalls In Iceland You Must Visit

Iceland, a land where nature paints its masterpieces with unrestrained brilliance, showcases some of the planet's most magnificent natural spectacles. Among these wonders, the best waterfalls in Iceland take centre stage, and an intriguing linguistic twist adds an extra layer of charm. Notice the delightful Icelandic quirk: most of these cascades have names that gracefully conclude with "-foss," a lyrical homage to their watery grace.

List Of 13 Best Waterfalls In Iceland

• Gullfoss | Majestic Icelandic Waterfall With Two Tiers
• Skogafoss | Iconic Waterfall On The Skoga River
• Seljalandsfoss | Unique Waterfall You Can Walk Behind
• Godafoss | "Waterfall Of The Gods" In Iceland
• Dynjandi | Cascading Waterfall In The Westfjords
• Dettifoss | Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall In Vatnajokull
• Haifoss | Tallest Waterfall In Iceland's Interior
• Hraunfossar | Waterfall Streaming From Lava Fields
• Svartifoss | Waterfall Surrounded By Basalt Columns
• Aldeyjarfoss | Dramatic Waterfall In Northern Iceland
• Gluggafoss | "Window Falls" With Unique Rock Formations
• Kirkjufellsfoss | Near The Iconic Kirkjufell Mountain
• Hengifoss | Tall, Striking Waterfall In Eastern Iceland

1. Gullfoss | Majestic Icelandic Waterfall With Two Tiers

Gullfoss, affectionately known as the "Golden Falls," ranks among the most renowned Iceland's hidden waterfalls. It dramatically descends in a two-tiered spectacle, crafting a mesmerising scene deep within the Hvítá River canyon.

• Location: Southwestern Iceland, Hvítá River
• How to Reach: Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1

2. Skogafoss | Iconic Waterfall On The Skoga River

Nestled along Iceland's southern coastline, Skogafoss commands attention with its sheer might, setting the stage for a captivating natural showdown: Skogafoss vs. Gullfoss. This Icelandic is renowned not only for its power but also for its captivating hiking trail.

• Location: Southern Iceland, near Skogar village
• How to Reach: About a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik along the Ring Road (Route 1)

3. Seljalandsfoss | Unique Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

Seljalandsfoss waterfall offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stroll behind its cascading veil of water, delivering an entirely immersive encounter. It plunges from a height of 60 metres (197 feet). It is renowned for its unique feature - a pathway that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of falling water, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.

• Location: Southern Iceland, along the Ring Road (Route 1)
• How to Reach: Around a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik, clearly visible from the road

4. Godafoss | "Waterfall Of The Gods" In Iceland

When it comes to visiting waterfalls in Iceland, you can't miss the graceful Godafoss, often referred to as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Nestled in the northern reaches of Iceland, this horseshoe-shaped cascade not only stuns with its natural beauty but also holds deep historical significance.

• Location: Northern Iceland, Skjálfandafljót River
• How to Reach: Approximately a 45-minute drive from Akureyri along Route 1

5. Dynjandi | Cascading Waterfall In The Westfjords

Nestled away in the far-flung reaches of the Westfjords region, Dynjandi emerges as a collection of Iceland's hidden waterfalls, uniting to craft a captivating tableau. The expedition to reach this enchanting cascade is an adventure as unforgettable as the waterfall.

• Location: Western Iceland, Dynjandisvogur Bay
• How to Reach: Requires a longer drive through the Westfjords; it's a remote destination

6. Dettifoss | Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall In Vatnajokull

Dettifoss, undeniably one of the best waterfalls in Iceland, stands as Europe's most captivating display of raw force. This awe-inspiring cascade is a testament to nature's unbridled strength, inviting adventurers to explore its wonders through a network of hiking trails that traverse this remarkable Icelandic landscape.

• Location: Northeastern Iceland, Jökulsá á Dal River
• How to Reach: Accessible by a 4x4 vehicle via Route 862, about a 2.5-hour drive from Akureyri

7. Haifoss | Tallest Waterfall In Iceland's Interior

Haifoss emerges as the nation's second-tallest waterfall and is an exquisite subject for Iceland waterfall photography. This enchanting cascade is cocooned by a backdrop of rugged cliffs and vibrant greenery, rendering it a concealed treasure waiting to be unveiled.

• Location: Central Highlands of Iceland, Fossá River
• How to Reach: Challenging terrain, often requires a hike or guided tour

8. Hraunfossar | Waterfall Streaming From Lava Fields

Hraunfossar reveals itself mysteriously from beneath a lava field, painting a one-of-a-kind and picturesque tableau in the Húsafell region. This extraordinary phenomenon is just one of the gems you can uncover on self-guided waterfall tours, where you'll experience Iceland's natural marvels in an intimate and immersive way.

• Location: Western Iceland, Húsafell
• How to Reach: Easily accessible, less than a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik

9. Svartifoss | Waterfall Surrounded By Basalt Columns

When undertaking the enchanting journey of visiting waterfalls in Iceland, a must-see gem awaits in Skaftafell National Park: Svartifoss. What sets Svartifoss apart is its captivating basalt column backdrop, a masterpiece sculpted by Mother Nature herself.

• Location: Southern Iceland, in Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
• How to Reach: A popular hiking destination, approximately 4 hours from Reykjavik

10. Aldeyjarfoss | Dramatic Waterfall In Northern Iceland

Perched within Iceland's Highlands, Aldeyjarfoss is celebrated for its dramatic interplay of ebony basalt columns juxtaposed against the crystalline cascade, forging an alluring visual paradox. This makes it one of the Best waterfalls in Iceland, where nature's artistry continually astounds.

• Location: Northern Iceland, Skjálfandafljót River
• How to Reach: Requires a 4x4 vehicle and a drive along F26 in the north

11. Gluggafoss | "Window Falls" With Unique Rock Formations

Gluggafoss, also referred to as Merkjárfoss, is renowned for its one-of-a-kind "window-like" formations in the rock walls, offering Iceland waterfall photography enthusiasts the opportunity to capture the falls from multiple perspectives.

• Location: Southern Iceland, along the Ring Road (Route 1)
• How to Reach: Easily accessible from the road, about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik

12. Kirkjufellsfoss | Near The Iconic Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufellsfoss is a striking waterfall known for its appearance in Game of Thrones. It stands 5 metres tall and is surrounded by dramatic landscapes. For those embarking on self-guided waterfall tours, this site is a must-visit, inviting explorers to capture its enchanting beauty and etch it into their memories.

• Location: Western Iceland, near Grundarfjörður
• How to Reach: Close to the town of Grundarfjörður, visible from Route 54

13. Hengifoss | Tall, Striking Waterfall In Eastern Iceland

Hengifoss stands as a celebrated icon among the best waterfalls in Iceland. What sets it apart is the striking presence of vivid red rock layers gracefully encircling the falls, casting a mesmerising aura and solidifying its reputation as one of the nation's most photogenic water wonders.

• Location: Eastern Iceland, Hengifossá River
• How to Reach: Requires a hike of about 2-3 hours from the parking area

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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls In Iceland

Q1. What are the most famous waterfalls in Iceland?
A1. Some of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland are Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dettifoss, Godafoss, Hraunfossar, Svartifoss, and Glymur.

Q2. Can you swim near waterfalls in Iceland?
A2. You can swim near some waterfalls in Iceland but exercise caution due to cold water and strong currents. Seljavallalaug near Seljalandsfoss is a popular spot for swimming.

Q3. What is the best time of year to visit Iceland's waterfalls?
A3. The best time to visit Iceland's waterfalls is during the summer (June to August) for milder weather and longer daylight hours, but winter offers a unique icy landscape.

Q4. Are there any glacier-fed waterfalls in Iceland?
A4. There are glacier-fed waterfalls in Iceland, with some receiving water from glaciers like Vatnajökull, the country's largest glacier.

Q5. How do I access information about the folklore of Icelandic waterfalls?
A5. Access Icelandic waterfall folklore information through local museums, tourist centres, knowledgeable locals, books, and online resources dedicated to Icelandic legends and stories.

Q6. Are there any challenging hiking trails to reach remote Icelandic waterfalls?
A6. Iceland offers challenging hiking trails to reach remote waterfalls like Glymur. These trails often involve river crossings and rugged terrain, providing adventurous experiences for hikers.

Q7. Can I visit ice caves near Icelandic waterfalls?
A7. Yes, you can visit ice caves near Icelandic waterfalls. Some examples include the ice caves near Vatnajökull National Park, like the Crystal Ice Cave and the Katla Ice Cave.

Q8. Are there any guided photography tours for Icelandic waterfalls?
A8. Yes, there are guided photography tours for Icelandic waterfalls. Some popular options include "Iceland Photo Tours," "Extreme Iceland," and "Iceland Photography Workshops.

Q9. Are there any endangered species near Icelandic waterfalls?
A9. Some endangered or vulnerable species near Icelandic waterfalls include the Atlantic puffin, gyrfalcon, and pink-footed goose, which inhabit the diverse ecosystems surrounding these natural wonders.

Q10. How do I plan a self-driving tour to see multiple Icelandic waterfalls?
A10. Visit adotrip.com to plan a self-driving tour of Icelandic waterfalls. Use our resources to create an itinerary, book accommodations, and find essential information for a memorable waterfall exploration trip in Iceland.